Fort Toulouse

The Spanish explorer Hernado DeSoto explored was is now Alabama in the year 1540 and may have reached the area that would become Fort Toulouse. During the 18^th century, the French decided to build the fort on the eastern side of the Louisiana colony finishing construction around 1717 and naming it for the Compte de Toulouse, the legitimized son of Louis XIV.

By the 1740s the Fort was suffering from general disrepair and age. The French thought enough of the area to finance the reconstruction of a new fort which was finished in 1751. But the treaty of 1763 which ended the French and Indian War transferred to the British. 1776 saw the fort fall once again in into ruins as the colonists declared their independence. Andrew Jackson arrived in the area during the Creek Indian War with his Tennessee militia.

The battle of Horseshoe Ben ended hostilities on April 27, 1814 and a new fort was constructed. The treaty of Fort Jackson opened 20 million acres of land to American settlers. "Old Hickory" began battling the Spanish and British from the fort which culminated with the Battle of New Orleans.

The Alabama historical Commission gained possession of the site in 1971 and to date the remains of three forts have been uncovered. A great deal of archaeology remains to be done in the future. Less than 5% of the site has been professionally excavated. An extensive amount of historical data is expected from future digs.

Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson State Park presents Living Histories one weekend each month between April and November. The program strives to show the public what French life was like during the 1700’s. Programs include blacksmithing, dugout canoe building, cannon and musket firing demonstrations, 18^th century food preparation, tomahawk throwing and brain tanning.

Two major Living History events are held each year at the park. In the spring, a nationally attended French and Indian War encampment enacts the 18^th century conflict between the French and English colonies. A pre-1820 Heritage Days celebration takes place in the fall and is the largest annual event held at the park.

Fort Toulouse-Jackson State Park is located just south of Wetumpka, Alabama off of Hwy. 231 at 2521 W. Fort Toulouse Rd. Camping is available year round for minimum fees. There is a picnic area, and boat launching ramp for boating, fishing and water sports in the surrounding rivers.